Comparison of Nursing Activity Time According to the Change in Grade of Nursing Management Fee in One University Hospital

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the difference between direct and indirect nursing activity times according to the grade of nursing management fee.

Methods: The subjects of this study were 324 working nurses at the time of 3rd grade and 319 working nurses at the 2nd grade of nursing management fee in one university hospital. Nursing activity time was measured in April and May, and in September and October of 2008 for comparison. The data were analyzed by SPSS win using frequency and t-test.

Results: Direct nursing care activity time per one patient was significantly higher at 2nd grade than 3rd grade in day shift (t=-2.55, p=.012). Direct nursing care workload per one nurse was significantly lower at 2nd grade than 3rd grade in evening shift (t=2.21, p=.030), whereas indirect nursing care workload was lower at 2nd level in night shift (t=2.43 p=.016).

Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that higher nurse-to-patient ratio can provide greater amount of direct nursing care activity for the patient. Also, it decreased workload of nurses. The higher nurse-to-patient ratio will be beneficial for promoting quality of nursing care as well as decreasing nurse’s heavy workload.